ANTIDEPRESSANT FOR GERIATRIC 70 Years Of Age

Posted on Wed, 4 Sep 2019

Question: ANTIDEPRESSANT FOR GERIATRIC 70 years of age

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
TCAs are the best choice

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

Although there is no antidepressant for which adequate data exists for geriatric population but as a geriatric psychiatrist I can state that TCAs are the best choice when it comes to efficacy of antidepressant. It is true that TCAs are difficult to tolerate but Nortryptiline and desipramine are often better tolerated by elderly population.

In case not able to tolerate TCA antidepressant, SNRI group (I personally prefer Pristiq) of medication can be tried.

Obviously SSRI are medications of choice while starting treatment and if there is no response we need to move beyond them as suggested above.

I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (18 hours later)

Thanks for quick response Doc. Will check meds and get back to you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are most welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up and feedback.

I am glad to know that provided information was useful for you and hope it will be helpful in discussing the treatment of late onset depression.

In case you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
I will be glad to assist you further.

Thanks and regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar